If you are only passing through Tarapoto, here are some ideas of what you can do on your own in one day:
Chocolate Factory La Orquídea
You can learn about the chocolate process from the beginning on a guided tour for S/5.00. There are mosquitoes there, so we recommend you to wear pants and sneakers.
La Orquídea has a certification that does not allow people outside the factory to enter the production plant, but the guide will take you to take a look at the cacao plants, the seeds and their process before they are turned into chocolate. At the end of the tour, you can buy what they produce.
This factory is quite close to the hostel, you can walk or take a motorcycle taxi that should not cost more than S/3.00 soles.
*Alternative: There is another Chocolate Factory called Tesoros Amazónicos that allows people to look around the chocolate process and don't charge for it.
Location: Jirón Martínez de Compañón 1220 - Tarapoto
Lamas
This popular town is only 30 minutes from Tarapoto. You can visit a 'castle', yes, a medieval-style castle in the jungle that was built by an Italian that you can visit by paying S / 10.00. This quirky place also has some art works of local artists, combined with other European style art pieces. You can also go to the neighborhood called Huayco, where most of the Lamas natives live. They have a little 'Plaza' and a souvenir shop. If you have more time you can also go to a small waterfall called Chapawanki by mototaxi.
How to get there: take a 'colectivo' for S/10.00 from 'Paradero de Lamas' at Alfonso Ugarte Street. They do not have a fixed schedule, you can go at any time.
Urku Centre
Approximately 3 km. from the hostel you can find Urku, an animal rescue center.
There are birds, turtles and other rescued animals. The parrots and macaws are free so you can socialize with them.
The entrance costs S/ 12.00 which includes a guided tour.
Cumbaza River
If you just want to relax in nature and don't want to pay any fees or go too far, the Cumbaza River is an excellent option for you. Tarapoto is surrounded by some rivers, including the Cumbaza, which is not too big, so you can swim, camp and enjoy a good time.
How to get there: the closest way from the hostel is to go to the MINSA Hospital, right on the corner of Avenida Circunvalación there is a police booth. From there you can start walking until you reach the river.
*Please take your trash with you. Unfortunately, in Peru people are not used of caring for the environment, but please don't do the same. Help our mother nature stay clean.
*Prices could vary.